A Night Of Women Composers: From Clara Schumann To Meredith Monk

Doors at 6:30PM Season 5 launches with a nod to National Sawdust’s roots as a women-led institution. From Clara Schumann to Meredith Monk, National Sawdust will spotlight and celebrate the dynamism and diversity of these innovative pioneers. Featuring work by Clara Schumann, Mary Lou Williams, Meredith Monk, Missy Mazzoli, Paola Prestini, Ellen Reid, and inaugural Hildegard Competition winner Emma O’Halloran, the evening includes performances by two of the brightest stars in contemporary music, Nico Muhly and Timo Andres. Joining these two legends on stage will be soprano Naomi Louisa O’Connell; tenor Arnold Geis; Young People's Chorus of New York City with Artistic Director/Founder Francisco J. Núñez; composer and pianist Samora Pinderhughes; flutist Elena Pinderhuges; Nelson Patton; guitarist Rafiq Bhatia and drummer Ian Chang of Son Lux; and the newly formed National Sawdust Ensemble, featuring violinist Miranda Cuckson, pianist Kathleen Tagg, flutist Allison Loggins-Hull, clarinetist Chris Grymes, and violist Lev Zurbin, with musical direction by former Kronos Quartet cellist Jeffrey Zeigler and conducted by Daniela Candillari. Some of the many pieces these luminaries will perform include selections from Silent Light, a new opera by Composer, Co-Founder, and Artistic Director of National Sawdust Paola Prestini; excerpts from composer Missy Mazzoli’s Proving Up; and a tribute to composer Mary Lou Williams, an icon of swing and bebop who wrote and arranged for Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Join National Sawdust for this special evening honoring seven women whose work and undeniable talent have indelibly changed the landscape of classical and new music. National Sawdust More Info below.